Introduction
With over two decades of hands-on experience, John McClymont, Principal of Operational Innovations, has seen first-hand how even small operational tweaks can unlock major financial success. In this episode of Mastery Fractional CFO's "Punchy Podcast", John shares how he helps businesses optimize efficiency, increase ROI, and stay ahead of the competition.
From Ground Level to Strategy: John's Journey into Logistics
John shares how he initially "fell into" the world of logistics and operations, starting his career as a supervisor in the food industry before being promoted to provincial and national roles. His background, while not rooted in formal education in logistics, gave him the hands-on experience to identify operational bottlenecks and drive impactful changes. "A lot of what most people do is a grind," John explains, "but those small details really matter."
Operational Efficiency Begins with a Baseline
John emphasizes the importance of understanding a company's current state before making any changes. He often starts by having conversations with people at all levels of the organization—from the floor workers to the CEO. This helps paint a full picture of what’s working and what’s not. By mapping out processes and identifying bottlenecks, John can pinpoint areas for improvement that might have been overlooked.
He shares that companies often get stuck with the "how" when it comes to improving operations. "Until you really understand how you're working today, any type of change just becomes guesswork," says John. Establishing a clear baseline is essential before making any operational adjustments.
Profitability Through Efficiency: The CFO's Perspective
Ryan and John dive into the connection between operational efficiency and financial performance. As a fractional CFO, Ryan regularly works with clients to identify operational improvements that can lead to better financial results. John agrees, adding that small tweaks in efficiency, like better utilization of resources or improved job performance standards, can have a significant impact on profitability.
For example, John mentions that simply increasing the number of jobs a team can handle per day can greatly improve profitability. "Whenever you can get more capacity into the same amount of time, your profitability is going to skyrocket," John explains.
Is it Time to Call in an Expert? Signs You Need Operational Help
One of John’s key messages to listeners is that if something about your operations is bugging you, it’s worth reaching out for help. Whether it’s inefficiencies, frustrations from your team, or a feeling that things could be better, there's likely an opportunity for improvement.
"If you hear people complaining or if there’s discomfort in your system, there's probably opportunity," John advises. Even if past efforts to improve operations didn’t work, it might be time to revisit those ideas with fresh eyes and new tools.
Ask the Fractional CFO
At the end of the podcast, John takes the opportunity to ask Ryan about the gap between operations and financials that many companies face. Ryan responds by highlighting the importance of aligning operational activities with financial goals and measuring leading indicators to drive better financial outcomes. Ryan stresses that having the right tools and understanding operational levers can make a significant difference in profitability.
Connect with John McClymont
If you’re interested in learning more about how John can help optimize your operations, you can connect with him via LinkedIn or visit his website at operationalinnovations.ca.
Lastly
Operational efficiency isn't just a buzzword—it's a key driver of financial success. Whether you’re facing bottlenecks or looking for ways to optimize, John McClymont’s expertise offers valuable insights. Tune into the podcast for more strategies to transform your business operations.
Ready to take your operations and financials to the next level? Contact Mastery Fractional CFO Services today to see how we can help you unlock hidden value in your business.
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews on Mastery Fractional CFO's Punchy Podcast.
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